Correlation analysis on serum inflammatory cytokine level and neurogenic pulmonary edema for children with severe hand–foot–mouth disease

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to discuss the correlation between serum inflammatory cytokines and neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) in children with severe hand–foot–mouth disease (HFMD). METHODS: A total of 89 patients with severe HFMD were enrolled into this study. These patients were divided into two groups, according to the presence of NPE: central nervous system disease (CNSD) group and NPE group. Serum IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were measured in patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 1, 3, and 5 days after admission. Furthermore, risk factors for NPE were screened using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels in the NPE group were higher than in the CNSD group. TNF-α, IL-10, and IFN-γ levels reached a peak on the 3rd day of admission. Age, continuous fever, blood sugar, white blood cell count, and IL-10 were risk factors for the occurrence of NPE in severe HFMD. CONCLUSION: The dynamic unbalance of inflammatory cytokines is related to the occurrence and progress of NPE.